If you are treating Covid-19 patients in hospital : question about blood type

[Artforartssake]

First, thank you for everything you are doing. And sorry if this is a stupid question.

Secondly, is there any validity to the news story that patients with certain blood types are more susceptible to catching Covid-19 and if so, do they need more breathing support? Is it looking, from your current experience on Covid wards, that there may be some truth to this theory?

Thirdly does being A negative or positive (for example) make any difference?

And yes, stupidly, I have been reading that newspaper

I'm A+ and it's been playing on my mind for months that I might be more at risk than if I had another blood type. I'm 40 and a healthy weight so I'm hoping that that counts for more than blood type.

scitechdaily.com/new-evidence-of-link-between-blood-type-covid-19-susceptibility/

I read way back in March that O- were at lower risk, obviously took that with a pinch of salt at that stage but seen the odd thing since too. Would be interested to follow this.

I'm sure it will Pangwin. Would also love to know more.

I'm A neg with underlying conditions. And in my mid-fifties. I'm reasonably calm but have teens at school where there are many cases. I'm wondering if I should be worried ... .

Same here Midnightstar66.

Thanks for link Feminist10101. Looks like there is some substance to the theory although study samples small.

I think at this stage of this was of any significance it would be “officially” known and they’d be using this information to monitor those with the virus in more susceptible blood groups.

Also, A+ is the second most common blood type so it doesn’t add up really.

this paper states that blood group less significant than their more recent findings www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-2818-3
"An early study1 identified two genomic regions associated with severe COVID-19: one region on chromosome 3 containing six genes and one region on chromo-some 9 that determines ABO blood groups. Recently, a new dataset was released from the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative where the region on chromosome 3 is the only region significantly associated with severe COVID-19 at the genome-wide level "

Thanks DoIreallyneedaname and time4anothername

Really interesting! It is sobering though how little is known for sure as yet.

First advantage I'll have ever had being O -ve. They're always taking our blood as anyone can use it. Not so great when you need some of your specific blood back.

Should this theory pan out, I'll be happy for my O + family Torvean

I'm A- and My DP is O+. All of our children have different blood groups to eachother, one is A- same as me, one is O+ like his dad and our daughter is O-, so a mixture. Blood groups are weird! I'm sure I read that blood groups arent as big an issue as reported earlier in year. It's quite easy to spot so think it would be widely reported by now

Jrobhatch yes blood types are fascinating! I wish I had paid more attention when I studied for biology A level now

And yes having re-read it this morning, the article linked by Time4anothername is reassuring.

I haven't noticed an obvious correlation nor heard any talk of it in work. I read a few articles early on but nothing since. I don't think you should be worried about it

I'm AB+ and read a report a while ago saying that my group is at increased risk of death. Yay for me 🙄 it was a tiny sample though.

Thank you PrivateD00r I imagine it would be noticed on the wards by now if the correlation was very direct. I'm not particularly worried for myself tbh as we are quite isolated, so seeing more sheep than people outside immediate family although that does include school age teens so they could bring it back any day. More worried for various extended family members.

Ilookatthefloor wow that's rare! Yes, I think the consensus so far on this thread is "more research necessary".

It actually says in the article that it’s not something we should be worrying about. I’m still worried but at least half the country is in solidarity with me I’m A+

I'm certainly much more reassured now than when I started this thread doIreallyneedaname

Need to get working on weight loss and fitness now too!

I'm AB+ and I'm also carrying too much weight. Really didn't need another risk factor!

Oh dear I've also heard this. I'm A+

AB- here, so underlying health conditions but I've had pneumonia twice in the past and I felt awful and debilitated. I wasn't up to showering last time and DH had to help me on day 4 as I was in tears due to the fact I felt I couldn't see the doctor being dirty.

All I can do is eat better and keep myself fit (which I have been doing and feel good for it). As regards going out, I'm trying to live my live but well within restrictions and being careful with masks, SD and hygiene. That's all I can do.

I wouldn’t base your pneumonia experience on how you’ll deal with Covid. I went down that path but the reality is pneumonia is awful for everyone that has it, it’s extremely common, and the description of how you felt is how most people would feel with it :)

@doireallyneedaname

I wouldn’t base your pneumonia experience on how you’ll deal with Covid. I went down that path but the reality is pneumonia is awful for everyone that has it, it’s extremely common, and the description of how you felt is how most people would feel with it :)

I agree with this. I know someone in their 60s who had pnemonia in January. They also got covid last month and was no more than a bad cold for them

Found this -

hms.harvard.edu/news/covid-19-blood-type

Thanks for link doIreallyneedaname That's v reassuring , from Harvard no less.

Ifonly4 yes that sounds like a sensible strategy. I let my health and fitness slip earlier in the year. Determined to take a more balanced approach this time without taking unnecessary risks.